Test-retest reliability of a newly developed German language instrument for multidimensional geriatric assessment

Most geriatric assessment instruments have been developed in the English la nguage. Translated versions might differ in their psychometric properties. We analyzed the test-retest reliability and internal consistency of a Germa n instrument for multidimensional geriatric assessment that was based on a newly developed English version. A group of 100 over 75-year-old community-dwelling persons (mean age 83.0 y ears, 81% women) in Hamburg (n = 26) and Ulm (n = 51), Germany, and Berne ( n = 23), Switzerland was interviewed twice by the same trained interviewers with a one week interval. We administered questions on general health, chronic disorders, basic and i nstrumental activities of daily living, urinary incontinence, nutrition, fa lls, pain, the social support/network and preventive care measures. In addi tion, the Functional Status Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, the Visual Functio n Questionnaire, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly and the Ger iatric Depression Scale were administered. Cohen's kappa was good to excellent (0.64 less than or equal to kappa less than or equal to0.89) with only three exceptions (pain questions, kappa =0. 53; questions on preventive care services, kappa =0.51; and one of the ques tions on recent falls, kappa =0.44). Cronbach alpha (internal consistency) was good to excellent for all domains (0.76 less than or equal toa less tha n or equal to0.95). The study results confirm good test-retest reliability of the German versio n of this multidimensional geriatric assessment instrument. Adapted version s of this instrument can be used for different purposes, e.g., preventive h ome visits, outpatient geriatric assessments or epidemiological studies in older persons.